End of Term Letter

Dear Parents/Carers,

I would like to start my end of term letter by saying a ‘thank you’ for your fantastic trust, support and patience this term. Having worked in secondary schools for over 20 years, I can honestly say that I have never experienced such strange and turbulent times as we have lived through since schools closed on March 20th.

This time last year we were in the midst of our traditional Archbishop Ilsley Christmas celebrations; Awards Evening, OAP party, Advent Mass and end of term celebration assemblies. Sadly we have been unable to hold any of our special events this year and I am sorry that your children have missed out on these.

Despite the disruption and uncertainty caused by the pandemic, your children have had a very successful term. Our year 7 pupils settled in very quickly and all other year groups have adapted to the new school day and systems we have had to put in place to keep school as safe as possible. It never ceases to surprise me how adaptable and resilient young people are and you should feel very proud of how well they have done since returning to school in September.

Please read the information below as it contains some key reminders and details of the arrangements for the end of term.

End of term

• Y11 pupils finish on Wednesday 16th December at 3.10 p.m. and should attend their academic tutorial from home on Thursday 17th December

• Y12 and Y13 pupils finish at 1.20 p.m. on Thursday 17th December

• Pupils in Y9 finish at 2.50 p.m. on Thursday 17th December

• Pupils in years 7 and 8 finish at 3.10 p.m. on Thursday 17th December

• School closes from Friday 18th December until Monday 4th January

• School will open at the normal time for all pupils on Monday 4th January

Uniform

Pupils must not wear hoodies or gilets in school. We ask that parents and carers provide their children with a suitable winter coat for the colder months; a hoodie is not a winter coat and they will be confiscated if worn in school. If a pupil is wearing their P.E. kit to school, this is not a reason for them to wear a hoodie.

This term we have spent more time than we should reminding a small number of pupils about piercings, particularly nose studs. The policy is very clear - only one small stud in each ear is permitted and no other piercings are allowed. If your child wishes to have a nose piercing then they have to be able to remove it for school.

Could I also remind all parents and carers that we have a very fair and sensible policy regarding make up and that false eyelashes, false nails and nail varnish are not permitted. I would strongly advise against you allowing your child to have false/gel/acrylic nails done before they return to school.